Ryu2.mind

Shanghai,while not SF, NY, or Paris, isn't lacking when it comes to choices toeat. Of course, there's good, cheap and yes (safe) Chinese food inabundance, but in addition, if you have a food craving from anywhereelse in the world, chances are it can be satisfied.

Most of theusual global chains are here and even those places like Noah's Bagels,Krispy Kreme and In-N-Out that haven't established themselves in Chinayet, I've generally managed to find somewhat adequate substitutes for.

Yetone gap in the culinary map, and not coincidentally with the onset of the muggy Shanghai summer, one thing I've beencraving for in the last few days (the first time in my 4 months that I've felt like missing any food from the USA)...

Cold Stone Creamery!For those of you not from the States, it's a chain of stores where theymake their ice cream on the premises, and let you choose from a varietyof "mix-ins" ranging from nuts to candy to fruit, which is then blended(by hand in front of you) into the ice cream on a cold stone -- hencethe name. Sure, not exactly Atkins diet-friendly fare, but tryingdifferent combinations is a rather delectable game.

Yes, there'slocal ice cream, or if I'm feeling like blowing money, Haagen-Daaz. Butnot even the latter compares to the infinite indulgent variety affordedat Cold Stone.

The Chinese love to copy a good idea, and maybethere's already such a place here... if so, let me know -- I'm allears. If not... let's just say if the game thing doesn't work out, Ithink I'm seriously going to consider franchising a Cold Stone here...=)

Or maybe just buying a ice-cream maker and having a party.That might be a good housewarming idea, come to think of it. Or is thathousecooling...?